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9 of the Best Diesel SUVs

Diesel SUVs are making a comeback after having lurked in the background as niche options for many years. Although it's still largely a Euro-only cast of characters, the number of diverse diesel SUV options has grown to the point where buyers can expect to find a turbodiesel model in almost every segment of the premium market. A few less-pricey diesel machines are now also on offer, rounding out group of vehicles that leverage high torque and respectable fuel consumption as their most appealing qualities. Let's take a look at nine of the best diesel SUVs currently available in the United States.

1) 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is a recent addition to the off-road marque's lineup. Although not the first diesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee to have been sold in America, this model is the most technologically advanced, sporting a 3.0-liter V-6 that makes use of direct fuel injection and ceramic glow plugs to product 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine, which is sourced from Italy, is capable of returning 22 mpg in stop and go driving and 30 mpg on the highway, is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and can tow up to 7,400 lbs. As with all Grand Cherokees, the EcoDiesel model can be ordered with four-wheel drive and also offers an air suspension option.

2) 2015 Audi Q7 TDI

The 2015 Audi Q7 TDI has been providing German SUV fans with a turbodiesel option for a number of years. The largest sport utility vehicle in the Audi lineup, the Audi Q7 TDI features full-time quattro all-wheel drive as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its diesel drivetrain consists of a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6, a unit which has been tuned to provide 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the hefty Q7 is listed at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. For those who want sportier looks with their full-size crossover, the Q7 TDI can be dressed up via S line options.

3) 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC brings diesel power to the luxury brand's entry-level compact crossover. The Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC makes the vehicle's 4MATIC all-wheel drive a standard feature, and a seven-speed automatic transmission is also included free of charge. The SUV's 2.0-liter, turbodiesel four-cylinder engine provides a respectable 190 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and fuel economy is estimated at a combined 28 mpg. The engine is boosted by two different turbos, which helps eliminate the turbo lag that could otherwise make this hefty crossover feel a bit sluggish.

4) 2015 BMW X5 xDrive35d

The 2015 BMW X5 xDrive35d is a diesel-powered version of the SUV known for its handling prowess, and this characteristic is not sacrificed in the search for more miles per gallon. Trading off-road capability for on-road heroics is a familiar theme for BMW, and it is one that is complemented by the BMW X5 xDrive35d's 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are derived from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard with the diesel X5 - as it is with every model of the SUV - and fuel economy shows as 24 mpg around town and 31 mpg on the highway.

5) 2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI

The 2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is a premium SUV that isn't advertised as one. The Volkswagen Touareg TDI's extensive set of available luxury features is impressive, while its pricing keeps it competitive with other large crossover options in its class. All trim levels of the Touareg TDI are motivated by a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 engine that can be counted on to produce 240 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity for the brawny SUV sits at just under 8,000 lbs, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive are also included with the vehicle. Fuel economy for the thrifty diesel truck comes in at 20 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg during highway cruising.

6) 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTEC 4MATIC

For 2015, the popular Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC got revised out of existence, but the outcome is just as good. The brand now offers the Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which is similar except it’s powered by a 2.1-liter twin-turbo inline-four engine paired to a seven-speed automatic. This new powertrain offers 200 ponies, but the 369 lb-ft of torque helps make up for any shortcomings, perceived or real. This diesel was engineered for solid fuel economy, and it’s still a descendant of the model that helped to kick-start the luxury suv craze in the 1990s.

7) 2015 Audi Q5 TDI

The 2015 Audi Q5 TDI is the only real compact SUV competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC. The Audi Q5 TDI crossover will one-up the Mercedes-Benz in terms of power thanks to two additional cylinders under its hood: the vehicle's 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 deliver 245 horses and 428 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the model's eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, it should offer formidable performance. The EPA estimates combined fuel mileage at 27 mpg, and the 2015 Q5 TDI is offered in two trim levels, Premium Plus and Prestige.

8) 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

The 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel represents a different path for fans of the high performance automaker to take when searching for a high capacity cargo hauler and people mover. The Porsches Cayenne Diesel might not be as quick as the Turbo edition of the SUV, but it makes up for it by providing a towing capacity of 7,716 lbs (matching that of every other version of the Cayenne) as well as fuel economy of 20 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is standard, serving to distribute the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6's 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque equitably to all four wheels, and an eight-speed automatic is also included with the vehicle.

9) 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC rules the brand's diesel-powered SUV roost as the longest, heaviest, and tallest option available from the Silver Star. The seven-passenger Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is the least expensive vehicle in the GL-Class lineup, and makes use of the same engine found under the hood of the M-Class, a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 that is also good for 455 lb-ft of torque, and its tow rating shows as a very good 7,500 lbs. A seven-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting duties for the sport utility vehicle, and despite its full-time all-wheel drive the GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is able to boast fuel consumption figures of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. This frugality is head and shoulders above its gas-powered cousins.